Centrifugal machine.



l T. E. BROWN. CENTRIFUGAL MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APRIZZ. 1914.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

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T. E. BROWN. CENIRIFIIGAL MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APR'.22. |914.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

T. E. BROWN.

CENTRIFUGAL MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.' 22| 1914.

1,215,337'. Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

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APPLICATION FILED APR- 22, 1914.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

T. `E. BROWN.

cENTRFuGAL'MAcHmE. l APFLICATIONFILED APR.*22, I9l4 Patented Feb. 13., 1917.

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D STATES; omen..

'rHomAs E. BHowN, or NEW Yoan, N. Y.

'cEN'rmi-UGAL MACHINE. l

Specification of Letters Patent.

lPatented Feb. 13, 1917.

Application filed April 22, 1914. l Serial No. 833,641.

' Be it known that I, THOMAS IG. BnowN,

a citizen of the United States, and a resi-- dent of the borough of Manhattan, in the county of New York and State 'of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Centrifugal-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in the art .of centrifugal separation, and as well to the process or method as to the apparatus.

The invention applies particularly to the continuous centrifugal separation of solids and liquids and to the apparatus used for the said separation of solids from liquids,

nary. practice.

, for the lubrication Another object of my invention yis to perform the steps automatically in proper-succession at suitable intervals of time. The means I employ to'eflect 'these objects is the pressure on a fluid, preferably distinct from the liquid undergoing separation, and which pressurefmay be induced by the rotation of the machine itselforbyf some external means, or by a combinationof both; and I prefer to, use a liquid which is suitable of the bearings ofthe machine.

Various forms of apparatus may be constructed embodying my .invention and suited to various kinds of material and tova-rious operations, and while I show some of these forms in the accompanying drawings, I do not lconfine myself to the specific forms' shown and described.

In all the forms ofvmachines illustrated in the said drawings separating vessels revolving onvvertical axes are shown, but obviously in all the separating vessels could be arranged to revolve on Ihorizontal axes.-

Figure 1 of said drawings, shows a Aform *of. vapparatus in broken vertical section,

which I prefer when the solid material to le,treated is granular or crystalline, and is {Mitt/ions to the liquid from which it is -to be separated, and especially when such material is to be Washed or treated with other llquid or liquids different from that from whlch it is to be originally separated, and Flg. 1';1 is a broken verticals'ection on larger scale of certain parts of the machine.

- Fig. 2 shows the form of apparatus, in

broken vertical section, which I prefer whenv a solid is to be separated, -which is permeable to the containing liquid only with difficulty, and when a process of centrifu-` gal separation partaking of the'.nature of decanta'tion rather than of direct filtration is desirable and also when a wash treatment is not essential; Fig. 2a being a broken vertical section 0n larger scale of certain parts of the machine. A

Fig. 3, shows a form of centrifugal appa- ,ratus, in broken vertical section, which I prefer to use for the clarification of liquids, where usually the bulk of'liquid is large in comparison lwith the contained solids,

and a bowl is necessitated of' comparatively large diameter to obtain the necessary large filtrating capacity, and especially where a 'granular filtering medium, such" as Sand is employed; Figf being a vertical section operation of these various forms, and whichl -on an` enlarged scale of certain parts of isparticularly 'described in connection with Fig. 3. l

Fig. 6, is a section and elevation of a machine without filter or bowl cover.

Referring to Fig. 1, 1 is a baseand 2 a frame supporting the bearings 3 and 4 and thrust bearing 5 of the spindle 6 of the rotating machine, said Spindle 6 being revolved' in said bearings byany suitable means suchl as pulley "Il and belt 8. 9 indicates the bottom and inner side of the bowl or separating vessel attached to and revolving with Aspindle 6, and 10 is the casing of the bowl vsupported by said bottom 9, (which said bottom may be integral with a vertical inlet pipe 93,) preferably having a stuffing box 150,

to connect with supply pipe 21'. Said casy nular piston 14 attached to or preferably bepreferably.. consists of perforated metal plates 12, Fig. 18,*containing between them a suitable'iiltering material 13. 19 is a rim fastened to said casing 10 and holding the -ilter 11 in place. The lower part of said casing 10 is preferably smooth on the inner side, forming a cylinder containingan' anino* a part of an inner vertically movable cylinder 15; the upper part thereof flares and' projects inwardly. Said cylinder 15 forms a Vmovable bottom to the separating chamber, and carries by means of the rib 16,

the cover of the bowl 17. An elastic packr ing 18 is inserted between said cover y17 and the rim 19 of said casing 10. Said packing 18 may be attached either to the rim 19 or the cover 17, and I prefer, and have shown it attached to the cover 17. 31 is a supply pipe for the mixtureto be separated, and 21 is a supply pipe for the operating liquid. 22 is an annular stationary trough for the reception of the separated liquid and 23 is a pipe to carry off said liquid. 25 is an annular stationary trough for the reception ofthe operating liquid and 26 is a'pipe to carry offsaid operating liquid. 27 is an) annular rotary trough for the reception. of the discharged concentrates, which is preferably supported on rollers 28 and caused to revolve slowly by any suitable means as belt 29. From. said annular trough 27,the said discharged concentrates may be removed in any suitable manner as by scraper y30. 20, 33 and 34 are valves; and 20E, 33E and 34E are electrically operated valves which are preferably provided for purposes of automatic operation of the machine, as will be hereinafter explained. i

The machine having been set in motion and revolving-at normal speed before the mixture which is to be separated is admitted to the machine, and the piston 14. and

I cover 17 being held in lower position by their own gravity, the operation is as follows; it being assumed for the present that said electric valves 20E, 33E and 34E are open.

Valve 20 is openedxslightly, admitting the operating liquid, which passes down pipe 9a and through the passages 36 to the inner side of cylinder 15. The centrifugal force generated by the revolution of the machine carries this operating liquid down the inner side of -said cylinder 15 and through the openings 37, of which there are preferably several, to the annular space between said cylin- .der 15 and said casing 10, said liquid being yprevented from passing directly to the underside of piston 14 by the cupped piston flange 38; Said operating liquid, after passing through said passages 37, builds itself up in a cylindrical form on theinner surface of casing 10 until the inner`surface of said liquid reaches the overflo'w passages 39, of

relaas? 'exceed what will freely ow through the leakage passages 40.

The cylinder of liquid in the said annular space between movable cylinder 15 and casing 10 exerts great pressure on the said piston 14, holding down said cylinder l5 and also,l by means of ribs 16, the cover. 17, and compressing the packing 18 to the necessary extent to prevent the materials to be separated from passing through the joint between'said cover 17 andsaid rim 19. Said pressure is proportional to the difference of the fourth powers of the inner and outer radii of the cylinder of operating liquid between casing 10 and cylinder 15 and to the speclfic gravity of that liquid; and by choosing a sultable diameter for casing 10 and for the circle of passages 39 any desired pressure may be obtained.

Said bowl being now sealed by theJ pressure on piston 14, the valve 33 is opened to admit a proper supply of the mixture to be separated through pipe 31 to the said bowl, inside of the lter 11. By reason of the pressure induced by the' centrifugal force the liquid portion of said mixture passes out through said filter 11, and thence by the outlet nozzles 42, of which there are preferably at least two, into said rotary trough 22, and

-is carried away by pipe 23. The solid portions of the mixture are retained by and accumulate on the said lilter 11. The mixture undergoing separation is prevented from passlng into the lower portion of casing 10 and mixing w1th the operating Huid by the packing 43.

When a sulicient quantity of the solids has been accumulated .on said filter 11, said valvel 33 is closed, and a suiicient time is allowed to elapse for liquid retained in the spaces between the crystals or grains of the solids to pass off through said filter 11, and for the solids to attain the desired state of dryness. Valve 34 is then opened and wash liquid is admitted to said bowl. Said wash llquld passes through the solid materials on the ilterll, and through said outlet nozzles 42 to said trough 22, and is carried olf by pipe 23 in the same manner as the previously separated liquid, and the wash liquid may be returned to its original source by means of massa? l and the material is' allowed to become sumcientl dry. Successive washes by different liqui s may of course be used,'if desirable.

When the treatment above described is finished, valve 201is opened sufliciently wide to admit operating hquid faster than will How out through said leakage holes-40. The operating liquid then gradually fills the space below said piston 14 and the vspace between said cylinder 15 and said bottom 9, causing a great upward pressure by reason of the centrifugal force and lifting cylinder 15 and cover 17. The said cylinder '15, which fits closely inside of said filter 11, forces the concentrated solids upward and over the rim 19, whence they are thrown by centrifugal force into the said slowly revolving trough 27, and said solids are removed therefrom by scraper 30, or in any other suitable manner.

Usually with this form of apparatus, the centrifugal pressure alone in the operating liquid under cylinder 15 will be amply sufficient to eject the accumulated solids, but

in case of refractory materials which pack very solidly on filter 11 the valve 20 maybe opened wide and the full pressure in plpe 21 admitted yto underside of cylinder 15 in addition to the said centrifugal pressure.

When the solids have been discharged, the supply of operating liquid through said valve 20 is decreased to less than will escape lthrough said leakage holes 40, the liquid under said cylinder 15 and piston 14 escapes and the cylinder `of liquid over said piston 14 gradually forms and presses the said piston down, together with saidcylinder 15, ribs 16 and cover 17, and compresses the packing 18 and seals the bowl, and the entire process is repeated as before described.

The operating liquid escaping from said holes 40 is caught in said trough 25 and conveyed away by pipe 26. Said operating liquid, if of no value, may be run to Waste, but if of value may be returned from pipe 26 to its original source by any suitable means such as a pump; and I prefer to use.

,a liquid suitable for the lubrication of the bearings of the machine, such as oil, and in this case, passages 45 are continued downward in spindle 6, 'as indicated by dotted ,lines,' and with small outlets to `upper bearing 3. When valve 20 is openedsufficiently a portion of the operating liquid passes down and is forced through said passages 45 andthrough perforations in bearing 3 and is absorbed by the cotton waste in bearing 3. The liquid escaping from bearing 3 is thrown by ring 46 into chamber 47 and passesby pipe 48 to chamber 50. and lower bearing 4, and lthence by branch pipe 49 to pipe 26. Branch pipe 49 is preferably placed above the bottom of chamber 50 so that bearing 4 always runsin a bath of oil.

Referring to Fig. 2, the'ilter 11a is placed from the lfilter surface.

- 18a and seals the bowl.

- passages 51 in piston 14a connect inside of packing 41 so that some of the operating liquid always presses by its centrifugal force sald packing 41 against the surface of bowl 10, and revents the operating liquid from 75 passing rom lower to'4 upper side of `said piston 14,'and likewise prevents the mixture undergoing separation from passing said piston 14 1n the reverse direction. In the cylinder 15, forming part of piston 14, and forming a movable bottom in the bowl, is laced a stuffing box 52, connecting it wit pipe 21a. The leakage holes 40a are placed 1n the ends of trapped(v pipes 5 6, of which 'there are preferably two placed diametrically opposite each other.l A hollow stem 57 is attached to and projects downward from piston 14a and works loosely in spindle 6, to form a guide to said piston 14. The lilter 11a isshown in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, but may be placed in an inclined position if preferred, and such that the tendency of the centrifugal force is to carry thesolid particles away The opera-tion of this form ofl machine is as follows Before starting the revolution of the bowl, valve 20a is opened until the inflow of operating liquid is greater than the outflow through leakage holes 40a, and the spaces in stem 57 and below piston 14a are `gradu- -ally filled with the liquid, the contained air gradually passingout through the passages 36a and pet cock 53 as the liquid enters. When the contained air is expelled the valves 208L and pet cock 53 areclosed and rotation vof the bowl is started. As the speed increases the centrifugal force causes some of the liquidv under piston 14a to pass out through said trapped pipes 56 and leakage holes 40a until a vacuum is formed under said piston 14a, and the remaining liquid balances atmospheric pressure at said leakage holes 40a. The atmospheric pressure on` top of said piston 14a, holds said piston down with great force, and through the ribs 16a and bolts 58, also holds down the cover 17, compresses the packing 120 The mixture to be separated is now admitted by va'lve'33a and pipes 31a and flows into said bowl 10a under saidlilter 11a. The solids are deposited against said bowl 10j11 and are compressed by the centrifugal force, the liquid remainingl nearer'` the center of rotation and gradually decanting upwardly through the filter 11. .As the solids accumulate, gradually filling said bowl, the liquid passes through the still exposed portions of 13 the filter. The separated liquid, after passing through said filter 11a passes out` through the outlet nozzles 42a and is caught in revolving trough 24", passes by.pipes 59 through revolving trough 27 -to stationary trough 22" and is carried away by pipe 23a.

When a suiicient quantity of solids has been accumulated said valve 33" is shut, and after such time as is necessary to dry the material as much as its character will perj mit, valve 2()a is opened sufficiently to allow more liquid to How in than will discharge' through leakage holes 4G, the vacuum is destroyed, and the pressure rises under piston 14 lifting said lpiston `and filter 11a and cover 17. 'Ihe solids concentrated in the bowl are lifted by piston 14a until thrown by the centrifugal force into said revolving trough 27, from which they mayV be removed in any suitable manner. When the solids have been discharged valve 20a is again closed, a vacuumv is formed under said piston 14, as before described, said piston descends with said cover 17, compresses the packing 18il and seals the bowl and the operation proceeds over again.

Some of the operating liquid issuing from said leakage holes 40", is caught in the trough 60 and flows through openings 45 to the cotton waste of bearings 3 andllubrication is effected as before, the balance of the liquid and any surplus from trough 6() is caught in trough 25a and carried away by pipe 26a, all as described for Fig. 1. If the operating liquid is not suitable for lubrication the said holes and the raised flange chine', inthe following manner: When said piston 14a and cover 17a are in the highestposition, the concentrated solids having been discharged, valve 20a is allowed to remain open, thus keeping the cover in its high posltion; the valve d4a is -then opened, allowing l wash water to pass through pipe 62 into upper inlet 63 of cover 17". The first water entering said inlet 63 passes by -pipe 64to valve casing 65 and presses by centrifugal force on valve 66, (which is normally held open against the centrifugal force due to its own mass by the springl 67), and moves said valve 66 radially outward and closes the outlet nozzle 42". The water slowly passes out through the leakage hole 68 inA valve 66, and said valve 66 remains-closed as long as the water admitted from pipe 62 is in excess of the leakage through hole 68. If valve 34 is now opened wider .the

spindle 57" by the stuiing box 36".

excess water passes Ainto the chamber inthe cover 17a above the filter l1, fills said chamber and exerts by its centrifugal force a pressure onl filter 11", and a flow through,

said filter in a reverse direction to the regular flow, thereby cleaning said filter of particles clogging its under surface. The water thus forced through the filter passes out through the open discharge for solids into trough 27", from whence itmay be drawn off in any suitable manner, as by plug 69. After said filter is sufficiently Washed valves 34a and 20l1 are closed, said piston 14a and covgr 17u descend, said packing 18 is compressed and the bowl sealed and the process of separation may be repeated as before described.

Referring to Fig. 3, illustrating a machine with comparativelylarge bowl, suitable for the clarification of liquids:

With bowls of very large diameter the actuating pistons must be equivalently large if the centrifugal pressure alone ofthe operating liquid is used to Aperform the various functions unless a liquid of great specific gravity, such as mercury, is used. In this condition, therefore, it is especially'desirable to employ an operating fluid under considerablepressure to perform the said several necessary functions, and Iam thereby enabled to use actuating pistons of relatively small dimensions. I may even so increase said external pressure that the centrifugal pressure becomes relatively unimportant, and I may therefore use, when convenient to do so, a gas under compression,

` such as compressed air, instead of a liquid,

but as stated when referring to the machine of Figs. 1 and 2, I prefer to use a lubricating oil. The source of external pressure may 'be the street water mains, an elevated reservoir, a pressure tank, or any other suit-- able device; but I refer, when the actuating liquid is a lubrlcating oil, to use an accumulator.

The operating liquid is carried from the source of .pressure by pipe 58 to the upper end of an inside spindle 57", said pipe 58 communicating. with the interior of slaild e liquid is also carried from pipe 58 by branch pipe 21" controlled by valve 20" to a lower spindle 35", to which it is connected by stuffing box 38". Said interior spindle 57" fits loosely into the main spindle, 6" carried by the bearing 3". Said main spindle 6" terminates at its lower end in the cylinder head 24" of the cylinder 9", the lower part of which forms the stem 35" running in bearing 4", said cylinder 9" being supported by the thrust bearing 5". The lower end of the interior spindle 57" is fixed to piston 14" working in said cylinder 9". Attached to said interior spindle 57", near its upper end is the movablelbottom 15", which, by means of ribs 16", isattached to cover carrying around its outer circumference an elastic pack- 40", thickeningthe cylinder 9" on the other side in order to effect a balance, but two sets of passages 39" and leakage holes 40" placed opposite each other may be used when desirable.

In order to save space I prefer to cast pulley 7" as part of cylinder' 9". 1 1" is a coarsely perforated screen which serves to prevent the movable bottom 15 from'comingin d'1- rect contact 'with the granular filtering material 13".. 12" is a fine annular screen to prevent the material of filter 13" from passing out of the apparatus. Either or both screens 11" and '12"'may be omitted where the filter material will?, pack sufliciently to retain itself in place.

The operation of this form of machine lis as follows:

The machine being in' a state of revolution at its proper speed, the operating liquid under pressure is admitted through valve 61 and pipe 58.to the interior of spindle 57" and passes through the passages 37",v pressing on'the. top of piston 14", not only by the pressure induced by the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the machine but also from the added pressure from the pipe 58. Said spindle 57" is forced down holding down movableV bottom 15", and by means of rib 16" and cover 17", compressing the packing 1'8" and sealing the bowl around the rim 19". j

Valve 34" is now opened admitting the mixture of the granular filtering materialx and a liquid, such as sand and water, and this mixture passes into the bowl and through the coarse screen 11", the liquid lpassing throughscreen 12" and out of cir-4 cumferential aperture 42" into trough 22" and being carried olf by pipe 23", thence by suitable branch pipes and valves it may be led away toany point desirable. The granular material 13" is retained and packs in the chamber outside -of screen 11", until the space is full, forming a uniform filtering body. Said filter 13" may consist of sand, or mayconsist of an outer layer of charcoal covered with a layer of sand or any other suitable materials. 'To insure a proper amount of ltering'substance an excess may be Arun into the machine so that the excess remains on the inside of the screen 11". When the desired quantity has been run -in valve 34" is closed. Vajlve 20" may be opened admitting operating" liquid u'l'ijdei" pressure '57" are passages 37" com'- ,Y

tothe underside ofpiston 14" in lexcess of ,the amount which will flow through the lcover. 17", and ejects over the rim 19" any surplus of filtering material.` Valve 20" is z then closed, `the liquid under piston 14" escapes through said leakage hole 40", the pressure on top of piston 14" ldrives down the spindle 57" and closes cover. 17"v as-before,

and the machine is ready for its work. Thesupply of liquid to be clarified is then admittedby valve 33"` through pipe' 31" and nozzle 32", passes through screen 11" and filtering material 13" -out of apertures 42"- to trough 22", and is led away by pipe 23" to any vpoint desired.l This'operation continues.

until the solid materials collected on the said 'filter 13" and inside ofl screen 11" have accumulated to such a degree as to require removal. Valve 33" is then shut off' and valve 20" opened, as before described. Piston 14" now rises as before described, raising cover 17" and ejecting said solid materials by means of theA movable bottom 15". solid materials are thrown by the centrifugal force into trough 27", whence they may be removed by any suitable means, as by scraper 30. Valve 20" is then closed, piston 14" descends as before described, sealing the bowl by means of packing 18". Valve'33" is again opened and the vprocess proceeds as before. 'When, in the course of time, it becomes necessary to change filtering material ,13" the machine is stopped, the rim 19" removed by loosening the bolts and the filtering material 13" removed. Rim 19" Iis then replaced, the machine started up and the whole operation repeated as `before described. At each downward movement of said piston 14" the liquid in cylinder 9" underneath said piston is ejected with great velocity through leakage hole 40" and strikes against the top of frame 2" and is deflected` into trough'25". A portion, of thislliquid passes through pipe 45" into bearing 3" where it is soaked up by the cotton waste in bearing 3", and lubricates said bearing.

Thebalance of the operative liquid. from trough 25" flows through hole 26" on to shield 47", which serves to keep the liquid from theL belt 8. From said shield 47" it passes through holes 48" to the trough 50",

by pipe 49" to a suitable pump and returned to its original source.

The liquid which has lubricated bearing said 1 lthus lubricating bearing 4", and is conveyed yterial of-Fig.'3 may be used with the piston and cylinder of Fig.- 1, and other interchanges readily suggest themselves.

-A In the description heretofore given, it has been assumed thatfthe various steps described, depending'up'on the opening/and closing of valves, such as 20, 23 and 34 in proper sequence, may be performed manu-V ally, and this ,is preferable until 4the charac-- teristics ofthe particular materials to be separated are determined. `However, after the properrate `of flow of the materials to be separated and the proper sequence and duration of the varioussteps have been found, the operations may preferably. proceed automatically by means of suitable timing apparatus, arranged to openand close-the controlling valves. `The timing apparatus mayv be of'mechanical construction, operating the valves by such means as weights, levers and rods, but I prefer to use electrical devices'on account of their much greater convenience. Also, instead of operatingv said valves 20, 33 and 34, or their equivalents, automatically.

I prefer to use them as adjusting valves to regulate the rates of flow and to introduce additional valves to be automatically opened and closed.v Fi 3,shows a forml of machine requiringut two valves, 20b yand 33h, for its normal operation, valve 34b only being used occasionally,- and I therefore describe the timing apparatus in connection with thisfigure fon account of the greater simplicity of its operation, though as will be readily understoodffrom the following description, such timing apparatus may be applied to the more numerous movements required by those forms of machines illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, or in fact to any desiredy number of movements.

Referring to Fig. 3, 75 is a valve, preferably a balanced valve, on pipe 21", which is normally held closed by the weight of the'solenoid core 76, and 77 is a valve on vpipe 31h, which is normally held open by the .weight ofthe solenoid core 7 8. The coils of the solenoids79 and 80 are respectively connected with magnet switches 82 and 83,l which are normally open, but which when closed complete the circuit through the solenoid coils with line Wires 84 land 85, which carry an electric current of proper strength to' operate said solenoids. Said switches 82 and 83 are operated by auxiliary'magnets 88 and 89, the coils of which are in circuit with Vthe timing apparatus, Figs. 4 vand, 5, and a suitable source of electricity such as battery 90, Figs. 4 and 5.

Referring particularly to said Figs. 4 and 5,. 91 is a shaft which is caused to revolve at a constant speed 'by any suitable means, such as the gears 92 and 93, Worm and wheel 94 and 95 and motorl 96;'the arrangement of the gearing andspeedof the motor being such that the shaft 91 shall make the revolution in the time required for one complete cycle of movements Vofthc centrifugal separator. v

Said shaft 91 is*supported in standardsy 97 and 98 preferably mounted on a base 99 of suitable insulating material, and said shaft 91 is placed in circuit. With said battery 90 by'any suitable connection, such as wire 100, to said standard 98. 101 and 102 are arms carried by said shaft 91, and which may be placed in any relative position desired ,and secured by set screws 103 and 104.

105 and 106.areycontact plates secured to base 99 in a' position to be touched by arms 101 and 102 as said arms rotate with shaft 91. Contact plate 105 Vis connected byl wire 107 with auxiliaryrmagnet 89, Fig. 3, and contact plate 106 is connected by wire 108 with auxiliary magnet 88, F ig. 3,` Wires 109 and 110 completing the circuit Witlrbattery 90.l v v The operation is Aas follows :-The machine (Fig. 3) being in normal operation, valves 20D and 33" having beenfpreviously adjustedfor the proper rate of flow, and all electricvcircuits, except motor circuit being open, and therefore valve 77 open and valve closed, the liquid to be clarified flows through valves 77 and33", and nozzle 32h linto the bowl 10b, the liquid passingv through filtering material 13",*and the solids remaining on said coarse screen 11b, as before described. lThis operationcontinues until arm 101 touches contact plate 105, thus closing the circuit of auxiliarymagnet 89 and bat- 88, thus completing the circuit through solenoid coil 80. Core 78vnow lifts -and closes valve 77, shutting ofi' the supply of liquid to be clarified to the bowl. n

- After a suitable interval of time, determined by the angular space between arms 101 and 102', during which any remaining liquid inthe bowl passes out through filter -tery 90. Magnet 89 is energized, lifts switch l 13b, arm 102 touchescontact 106, energizes auxiliary magnet 88, and in turn solenoidl 79 lifts core 76 and opens valve 75, allowing operating liquid to pass to underside of piston 14h, as before/ described, and raises said piston andco'ver 17", and the movable bottom 15", and ejects the solid materials as hereinbefore described.

After an interval of time, determined by the length of contact plate 106, the arm 102 passes off of lsaid plate -106, breaks the circuit, switch 82 fa'lls, breaking lthe circuit through solenoid 7 9, valve 75 closes, piston 14h descends," and the bowl is agen; sealed,

as beforefd'escribed. 4During.thisjopera'tion arm 101 is stillin touch with contact plate 105 and valve '339 isheld closed:4 Aftera suitable interval of time, determinedby the length of contact plate 105,f arm-101v passes tinues to do so-until said arm-101 has 're-V volved`with shaft 91, and again comes in contact with plate 105, when the.operation's'j off of .said plate 105, breaks the circuit through auxiliary magnet 89 and solenoid 80, valve 77 opens and again admits the liquidto be clarified to the bowl, andicondescribed are'repeat The prlmary current can be carrieddirectlyv e through the timer, and the auxiliary'battery and magnet switches dispensed with, .When

through -the timer contacts, and I preferin such cases to use a light auxiliary current and magnet switches -as shown and described. :Obviously lby making shaft-91 ofsuitable length any desirednumber of arms and contact plates'may be used,-` and any desired vnumber of functions performed, the relative time of each being determined vby the angular position of the arms on the shaft,\.and the relative duration of each function determined by the lengths of the corresponding contact plates. With machines similar to that illustrated in' Fig. 1,

three sets of arms and contact plateswould be required, and thethirdarm and contact plate being shown in dotted lines in Figs. 4 and 5, one to operate each ofthe three solenoid valves 20E, 33E land 34E in Fig. 1.

In some processes of separation it is not necessary to obtain the separate solids in a dry state, or to perfectly clarify the separated liquid, and in such cases simple decantation is suflicient. In such cases a simple form of machine may be used, without lters and without a cover to the separating vessel. These simpler machines may be con-f structed in general accordance with the modifications of the separators hereinbefore described. .For sake of simplicity'of illustration and description, I have preferred to illustrate in Fig. 6, such simpler machine form I prefer to connect constructed. in general accordance with the machine illustrated in Fig. 2,- and hereinbe-V fore described. Referring to said Fig. 6, an imperforate bowl 10 without cover or filter, is used. The movable bottom 14c is substantially similar to the movable bottom 14C shown' in Fig. 2, and the valves and connections also are similar, except that in this pipe 21" to the lower end of spindle 6c. Y

Said imperforate bowl 10c is preferably of cylindrical form for the. major portion and described, -but consider that any form of centrifugal machines in'whichthe outlet for 'of as height, and is ,of @menigmstehe. "tcp- Durlng separationthadecanted liquid.

spillsover the .top 'dge 19, and ispeaught by "the shield sof the hoodS, which is raised to the position shown `by the dotted lines.'

`When a sufficient quantity ofthe separated said bowl. 10., and `the' trapped pipes 56y could be with.v But I prefer to user-3*.'ES saldtrappedpipes 56 to induce a vacuun i. under said bottom-149, to better overcome;i

the frictional. resistance of said packinglllg-x-, Obviously the stroke of-said movable'bot`" tom 14 is limitedto the cylindrical portion equivalent to the volume between the pistonin its upper positionand top of the conical part. ofifthe bowlalways remains in the lnachinef"A l I do not confine myself to the `precise forms of centrifugal apparatus or to the preciseY form of 'timing apparatusl shown the discharge of the heavier concentrated materials is closed by a member controlled by thepressurein a fluid, and any form of 1 centrifugal machine 'in which'the ejectrnult.` of the heavier-.materials is effected .during rotation by a member-controlled by the pressure in ailuid, and any form of centrifugal -machine of which the functions described are controlled Aby automatic'- timmg apparatus to be'included within my invention.

Now having -describedmy improvements, I claim as my invention.v 1. The method of effecting the separation of solid particles from liquids consisting in supplying operating fluid to a rotary vessel and so on in continuous ordered succession..

80 evercome the frictional resistance fof. pack- 1 l111g 4 1,- and-fin this case, 'said leakage holes.` 40 could b egp'laced directly in the bottom off so of the bowl, andftherefore an `amount of provided with an outlet for separated solids,r g

chine of a rotary vessel for the mixture to be separated provided With van inlet for the supply of said mixture and With outlets for` the separating liquid and solids, a cylinder and a piston therein 'operatively connected with the outlet for solids and adapted to be actuated by a fluid td positively hold Said outlet closed and to 'opent and close said outlet at proper intervals.

- 4. The combination in a centrifugal separatorof a separating vessel having a cover and ejector rigidly connected together and fluid operated means to hold said cover closed during separation and to open said cover and actuate said ejector' after separation.

5. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary vessel for the mixture to be separated provided with separate outlets for the separated liquid and solids, fluid operated means for opening and closing said outlet for solids, valves and electrically opera-ted means for opening and closing said valves at proper intervals and in proper relation to the operation of said machine in separating the solid and liquid constituents of said mixture.

6. The combination in a centrifugal mav chine of a rotary vessel forthe mixturev to be separated provided With separate outlets for separated liquids and solids, and fluid operated means for opening and closing said outlet for solids and for ejecting said solids froln 'said vessel'automatically at proper intervals.

7. Thecombination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary vessel for the mixture to be separated provided With separate outlets for separated liquid and solids, a cylinder and a piston therein adapted to be operated by a Huid to open and close said outlet for solids and to eject said separated solids from said vessel automatically at proper inter-vals.

8. The combination in a centrifugal machine, ofl a rotary vessel for mixture to be separated provided with separate outlets for the separated liquid and solids, means for ejecting the separated solids from said vessel, a cylinder and a piston therein opera-y tively connected With said means, and adapted to be operated at proper intervals by va Huid, whereby saidoutlet for solids is4 opened and closed, and said solids are ejected automatically at proper intervals.

9.- The `combination, with-the separating vessel of a centrifugal machine, of a movable` cover, a piston operatively connected With said cover, and means for reversing Huid pressures on said piston for opening l and closing said cover. i

10. The combination, With the separating vessel of a centrifugal machine, of a movable cover for said vessel, an ejector for separated solids, a piston operatively connected With. said cover` and ejector and means for varying fluidl pressures on sald piston for holding said cover closed during separation and for opening said cover and actuating said ejector after separation.

11. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotaryseparating vessel, a cover sure of a liquid, and lubricating devices adapted to cause said liquid to lubricate said machine. v

12. The combination in a centrifugal machine df a rotary separating vessel, means operated by fluid pressure to eject the separated solids from said vessel and devices adapted .to cause said operating fiuid to lubricatesaid machine.

v13. In a centrifugal machine the combination of a rotary separating vessel, a movable cover therefor, an ejector for separated solids, Huid operated means for actuating said cover and ejector, and devices adapted therefor adapted to be operated by the presl to cause said operating fluid to lubricate said machine.

14. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary separating vessel, a movable cover therefor, and means operatively connected With said cover and adapted to be actuated by centrifugal pressure induced in a liquid by the rotary motion of said machine. 'l I 15. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary separating vessel, an ejector for discharging the separated solidsl centrifugal pressure induced in a liquid by the rotary motion of said machine.

17. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary separating vessel, a movable cover therefor and devices operatively connected with said cover adapted to be actuated by Huid pressures additional to the Huid pressure induced by centrifugal force.

18. The combination in a centrifugal machine, of a rotary separating vessel, a movl able cover therefor, an ejector for discharging the separated solids from said vessel and devices operatively connected with said cover and said ejector andiadapted to be actuated by fluid pressures additional to the fluid pressure generated by centrifugal force. V

19. The combination in a' centrifugal machine, of a .rotary separating vessel, an ejector for discharging separated solids from said vessel and devices operatively connected with said ejector .and adapted to be actuated by Huid pressure in addition to the fiuid pressure generated by centrifugal force.

20. In a centrifugal machine the combination of a separating vesselfla cover, and

times of opening and closing said valves.

22. The combination in a centrifugal machine, of a separating vessel, means to maln- -tain said vessel closed against escape of the mixture during separation, means to discharge the separated solids from said vessel after separation, and automaticelectric devices for controlling the duration of said separation and time of said discharge;

23. The combination in a centrifugal machine, of a separating vessel, means to maintain said vessel closed against escape of the mixture during separation, means to discharge the separated solids from said vessel after separation, and automatic devices for. controlling the duration of said separation and time of said discharge.

24. The combination 4in a centrifugal separator, of a separating vessel, a cover therefor, and means operated by liquid pressure to hold said cover closed against the pressure of the mixture which is undergoing separation.

25. The combination in a centrifugal machine of a rotary vessel for the mixture to be separated, 'a movable cover provided with an elastic pacln'ng adapted when closed on said vessel to seal the outlet for separated solids, and fluid operated means to actuate said cover.

26. In a centrifugal machine the combination with a separating vessel having an outlet for the separated solids of a movable cover, an elastic packing therefor, and fluid i operated means to r"compress said packing.,4 seal said outlet and hold said cover. closedagainst the pressure. of the mixture undergolng separatlon.

27. The combination in a centrifugal VSGP' cylinder and pistonoperatively connected ltel arator having relatively` movable parts, of a 7 0- 'i with said parts, -a continuous operative pressureon one side of said piston and means to vary. fluid piston.`

operating cylinder and piston, a continuous operative pressure on one side of said piston; a leakage holein said cylinder and `a-valve to control the supply ofoperating fluid. to the other side o f said piston.

v29. Ina centrifugal separator having a separating vessel with a movable cover, va cylinder and piston -('l'peratively connected with said cover, Ia continuous pressure on one side of said piston and means to vary the pressure on the'other side of said piston and actuate said cover.

pressure on the other side of' said ,5 28. In a' centrifugal separator having an 30. In a centrifugal separator *havingl a movable member adaptedto eject the separated solids, a cylinder and piston opera-A tively connected with said movable member, a continuous pressure on` one side of sald plston and means to vary the pressure on the other side of said piston and reciprocate said sure of the separating mixture and-fluid,

operated means to close said cover.

33. The combination in centrifugal separator of a separating chamber, a movable cover therefor, an-ejector for the separated solids, a cylinder and piston, a vcontinuous pressure on one side of said piston and means to vary the pressure on the other side of said piston and actuate said cover and ejector.

34. The combination Withv a centrifugal v separator of a separating chamber, an ejector therein adapted to eject the concentrated solids, a cylinder and piston operatively connected with saidejector, a continuous pressure on one side of said piston, a leakage hole in said cylinder and a valve to vary the supply of actuating iuid to said cylinder and actuate said ejector.

35. The combination in a centrifugal separator having relatively movable parts of .fluid actuated means operatively connected with said parts and leakage holes for the exhaust of-said actuating `fluid.

36. In a centrifugal machine having relat'ively movable parts, means operatively connected with said `parts adapted -to be actu-Y 'movable toV each other, of actuating-means operatively connected to one. of said parts for moving thesame relatively tol the-other and adapted to be actuated by centrifugal pressure induced in a liquid by the rotary motion of vsaid machine.

39. In a centrifugal machine, thecombination with abowl and ejector therefor,

' relatively movable toA each other, of means for actuating onel of the said members relatively to the other by centrifugal pressure Lamas? induced in avliquid bythe rotary motion of said machine. v A 40. The combination in acentrifugal Amachine, of means for supplying Huid thereto to be separated', means to supply to said machine an operating fluid other than that un= dergolng separation, and parts ada tedto be moved away fromeach other by t e' centrifugal pressure induced 'in said operating fluid by the rotation of said machine.

tion` with membersv relatively movableV to yeach other, and 'with .means to supply 'Huid thereto to be separated, of means for supplying tov said machinefan operating fluid other than that yundergoing Separation, and means for moving said members away from each other'by centrifugal pressureinduced 41. In a centrifugal machine the combina- 40 in said operating fluid bythe rotary motion l I of the machine. A

Signed at New York city, in the county of New `York, and Statel of New York, this 20th day of April, D. 1914.

I Witnesses CLINTON B. BROWN, THos. E. Brown, Jr.

THOMAS E. BROWN; 

